Cost of lung cancer screening
Lung cancer screening is performed with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan. The cost of an LDCT will vary depending on many factors, including a person’s insurance and eligibility based on whether or not they meet criteria for being at high risk of lung cancer.
Informed by research, Medicare and the US Preventive Services Task Force have adopted criteria using age and smoking history that are known to place individuals at high risk of developing lung cancer. For individuals who meet these criteria, low dose CT screening for lung cancer is recommended and covered every year by Medicare and most private insurance plans at 100% with no out-of-pocket cost—just like mammograms and other screening tests. However, additional testing and follow-up scans between screenings may have a cost, such as a co-pay or deductible. Ask your doctor if your insurance covers the test.
Lung cancer screening cost resources
To learn more about preventive services coverage without cost-sharing by Medicare, Medicaid, and public and private insurance as a provision under the Affordable Care Act, see links below.
- Preventive Services Covered by Medicare
- ACA Preventive Care and Services
- American Cancer Society Cost and Insurance Coverage for Cancer Screenings
- National Coverage Determination Eligibility of LDCT
- Medicaid How to Information on Applying and Enrolling
- American Lung Association State Lung Cancer Screening Coverage Toolkit